I’m back just a month after my Camino de Santiago de Compostela. No epiphany for me the first time I reached this pilgrimage site. No lifechanging realization. Yet I felt emotional that first time I set my eyes on the cathedral spires from the Monte del Gozo, some 4 kilometers away entering Santiago. And more so when we finally reached the terminus.

First order of this late day is to find our hotel. Tried to book rooms in Hospidario de San Martin where I earlier stayed, but it’s full. But we’re happy with our small hotel which also runs an albergue next to it. Quite decent for the price and location, but no frills. That’ll do. We’re tired after spending several hours (drinking) on the train from Irun.

Tonight and for several days after, the group set out to have good Galician dinners. Food trip aside, the group likewise managed to snag a day trip to Finisterre and Muxia, but that adventure deserves a separate blog. Of course, the group was also keen to hear the Pilgrim’s Mass and witness the botafumeiro swinging across the church altar. All those I’ve done the first time and absolutely don’t mind doing again.

But there’s this unfinished business of buying the Pulsera de Peregrina. Earlier, I dilly-dallied over whether I should buy one or not. When I’ve decided I should get one (I deserve it, having walked 113 kms!) I needed to leave to catch the bus for the aeropuerto. Now, I didn’t waste time buying it. Soon after the Pilgrim’s Mass at noon, I went to the Church Tienda for my camino souvenir.

Happy with my pulsera. I wear it with utmost humility and sentimentality. I only wish the makers add a charm like cows and backpacks —- more camino reminders. But for now, the bridges, arrows, shells, towers, etc will do. Well done, peregrino!

Share this:

Like this:

LikeLoading...

About lifeisacelebration

Retired early, but still active. Very involved in celebrating life!
I love traveling because I always come back with less cobwebs in my mind. It is as if I empty my mind of all clutter upon departure, and fill it with many happy memories upon arrival. I also like the idea that life is so focused on the present, and my senses are all playing to listen, feel , see, smell and taste everything novel or not so new. The fact that I only have to choose from a limited wardrobe, or use the same pair of shoes throughout my holiday , or work and survive on a single budget make life so much simpler. Sure, you sometimes get a raw deal in a few trips, or feel hassled by flight delays and cancellations, but the joys and simplicity of the present far outweigh the negatives. Oh, btw, I always end up gaining more friends after each trip. Many I kept......